Schoolkids to watch Argentina in classrooms

Primary and secondary schoolchildren will be able to watch Lionel Messi and the rest of the Argentina national team from their classrooms during the World Cup, according to Education minister Alberto Sileoni.

The official confirmed that there would be no cancellation of classes when the team play in Brazil, but that arrangements would be made so that kids could watch the games in school.

"If 5 billion people are going to be watching it, how are the 10 million children and young people who go to Argentine schools not going to?", the Sileoni asked during an interview with Radio Splendid.

The minister pointed out the value of allowing students to watch the games, explaining that educational material related to the World Cup had been handed out and that areas of history and geography would be worked on.

"The kids value it a lot, to the point that a lot of them if they have the choice would rather watch in school because they are with their friends," he asserted.

"Being able to watch the World Cup in school has value in itself: cameraderie, the kids, youngsters and their teachers watch together. They are in a different atmosphere; a positive identity can be created."